Udinese fire Marino

Udinese have sacked coach Pasquale Marino and appointed Gianni De Biasi as his replacement, the club have confirmed.

Marino has been under pressure following his team's poor run of form but was handed a vote of confidence just last week.

However, the club have now decided the winter break was the ideal time to act, giving the new coach until January 6 before his first official game in charge.

A club statement read: "Udinese Calcio announce they have relieved manager Pasquale Marino from his duties as first-team coach.

"The club give their best thanks to Mr Marino for the work carried out in these two and a half years together.

"Udinese Calcio also announce that they have entrusted the role of first-team coach to manager Gianni De Biasi, who will be presented today at 1730."

Marino took charge of Udinese in the summer of 2007 and took them back into Europe in his first year in charge.

He led the Friulian outfit to seventh place last season but has paid the price for a disappointing first half of the campaign.

Udinese lie 14th in the standings, five points above the drop zone.